SAN DIEGO — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - California, Southern), published as received.

SAN DIEGO – Brandon Ivan Padilla of San Marcos pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he committed three carjackings and robbed a business, all while menacing his victims with a firearm.

Padilla admitted that on November 21, 2024, he pointed a gun at a clerk at American Smoke Shop in Escondido and demanded cash. The clerk gave Padilla $320. Padilla also admitted that he demanded a smoke shop customer’s car keys and cash while holding the gun inches from the customer’s ear. The customer handed over the keys; Padilla drove away in the person’s vehicle.

According to his plea agreement, Padilla stole another person’s car at gunpoint a few days later, on November 25, 2024. He admitted to approaching that individual in Escondido, brandishing a firearm and telling the victim to give Padilla all “his shit.” The victim followed Padilla instructions and gave up his phone and car keys. Padilla admitted to then taking control of the car and putting the keys in the ignition, but the car did not start.

Failing to successfully drive away in the car did not stop Padilla from carjacking another vehicle that same day. Padilla admitted to approaching yet another motorist in Escondido, racking his gun and pointing it at that individual’s forehead and chest, and forced the victim out of the truck. The victim did as he was told He also gave his wallet to Padilla who then got in the truck and drove away.

In all three carjackings, Padilla admitted that he would have caused death or serious bodily harm to the victims if they had not given him their cars.

Padilla is scheduled to be sentenced on August 7, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

DEFENDANT                                   Case Number 26CR388-JLS                                              

Brandon Ivan Padilla                          Age: 20                                   San Marcos, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Hobbs Act Robbery (18 U.S.C. §1951)

Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and a $250,000 fine

Carjacking (18 U.S.C. §2119)

Maximum penalty: Fifteen years in prison and a $250,000 fine

Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. §924(c)(1)(A))

Maximum penalty: Life in prison and a $250,000 fine

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Escondido Police Department